How to wear knapsack?

[ngairish]

Me again folks. I just got my double bag knapsack that my wife ordered me for my b-day. Now I need to know how it is worn. I thought I could figure it out but no dice. One way I had it on was by buckling the left strap to the buckle on the bottom side of the bag then I adjusted the right strap and hooked the brass triangle on the end of it to the brass hook on the other side of the bottom of the bag. But this leaves two straps on top of those that I have no idea where they go. The configuration of the straps confuses me. Can anyone PLEASE help me.

Thanks,

Adam

[10Tenn]

Adam- the two extra straps were a design feature left over for using the knapsack with the 'rifleman's belt'. This was a system whereby the two straps were meant to hook onto a set of loops on the belt to help distribute the load. The rifleman's belt was dropped but the straps remained. The most common period use was to hook them across the chest to the opposite shoulder strap to redistribute some of the knapsack weight. Just hook the brass hook over the strap and adjust for comfort.

[ngairish]

Thanks 10Tenn,

Thanks for the info. So I had the other straps fixed right then? It felt comfortable.

Adam

[Memphis]

The dreaded "triangle thingie" has vexed more than one man, so has the moment of truth when installing a cartridge box belt for the very first time.

Admit it, you know you were there once upon a time.

[NC5thcav]

My first cartridge box belt was simple. If you look at a picture of an original still installed, its beyond easy.

[tenfed1861]

I use to have problems putting on a pack,until I began to experiment.How I use to put it on was an old fireman's trick to put on your air tank.Put the hook into the triangle.Turn the pack upside down and lift it over your head.The just let it fall onto your back.It is much easier to show then to explain.Just talk to a member who is a fireman and they should be able to help.I now have gotten to the point where I can just hook the hook to the back triangle.
As far as the cross straps,you can wear them across the chest.That is fine.But I find hooking them to my belt is much easier and helps with the load alot more.
As far a wearing it.Wear it high and tight.This will help the weight from pulling down on your shoulders more.If it's too loose,the weight will strain your shoulders.Too tight and it is unbearably uncomfortable.Just experiment with it alittle until you find what is right for you.
Cullen

[HighPrvt]

I disliked the hook, and triangle. Until I used a pack without it.

[ngairish]

Cullen,

I know the method you are talking about well. I am a firefighter and have done that many times. I now use the coat method to put on my pack now, it's easier. I buckle the left strap before I put it on (the knapsack) and then I just hook the triangle after I have it on. I was just wondering if that was right and what the other two straps were for. Thank you for the advice.

Adam

[styler]

Cullen, how's that do during inspection when it's time to unsling, open, and again sling knapsacks?

-steve-

[harley_davis]

Sir
Run your shoulder straps under your blanket straps. That will help in keeping the weight of the pack higher and keep the blanket from hanging off the back of the knapsack which unbalances the load somewhat. Sounds more complicated than it really is.
I remain, repsectfully